Indiana Moves to Slash Over 400 University Degree Programs Under New Law
INDIANAPOLIS, IN — July 3, 2025 Over 400 degree programs across Indiana’s public universities are facing elimination or consolidation due to a new state law enacted during the 2025 legislative session. The law mandates minimum graduation thresholds: 10 graduates annually for associate degrees, 15 for bachelor’s, seven for master’s, and three for doctoral and specialist programs. Programs not meeting these benchmarks over a rolling three-year period are subject to cuts.
Indiana University (IU) leads with 249 programs identified for potential elimination, suspension, or consolidation across its campuses. Purdue University follows with 83 programs, including the proposed suspension of its Bachelor of Science in Microbiology. Other institutions affected include Ball State University, Indiana State University, the University of Southern Indiana, and Ivy Tech Community College. Purdue officials note that approximately “1 in 1,000 students” on its main campus are currently enrolled in programs slated for suspension.
The Indiana Commission for Higher Education is expected to review and finalize these recommendations later this month.
The legislation has sparked debate. Democratic State Representative Matt Pierce of Bloomington criticized the measure, calling it a “Soviet-style, Communist government approach to higher education” and arguing that universities already adjust programs based on student demand. In contrast, Republican Governor Mike Braun supports the law, stating it aims to better align educational offerings with workforce needs and help students make informed decisions about their degrees.